Janice Baker

THURSDAY, May 16 (HealthDay News) -- Having a fast-food restaurant nearby might be a convenience, but living within two miles of one may be a little too convenient.

According to a new study, black Americans who live near these businesses have a higher body-mass index than those living far...Full Article

TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Most Americans should consume less salt, but too little salt can also cause health problems for some, a new report says.

The problem is that there is scant evidence for determining exactly how much salt is too much and how little is too little, accordin...Full Article

MONDAY, May 13 (HealthDay News) -- The next time you sit down at your favorite local eatery, ponder this: Two new studies find that the average restaurant meal provides diners with most of the calories, fats and salt they require for the entire day.

The authors of both reports said...Full Article

FRIDAY, May 10 (HealthDay News) -- The food you eat may affect your level of sleepiness or alertness during the day, according to a new, small study.

Researchers assessed the daytime sleepiness/alertness levels of 31 healthy, non-obese people, aged 18 to 65, who were normal sleepers. Then...Full Article

WEDNESDAY, May 8 (HealthDay News) -- Next time you have a craving for fast food, don't kid yourself that choices today are much healthier, a new study says.

The nutritional quality of menu items at fast-food restaurants has improved only modestly over 14 years, according to researchers.Full Article

WEDNESDAY, May 1 (HealthDay News) -- Young U.S. adults are consuming more added sugars in their food and drinks than older -- and apparently wiser -- folks, according to a new government report.

Released Wednesday, data from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that f...Full Article

FRIDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Analyzing Facebook users' interests could help public health researchers predict, track and map obesity rates in specific cities, towns and neighborhoods across the United States, a new study says.

This type of information could be used to design targe...Full Article

MONDAY, April 22 (HealthDay News) -- If you're trying to get healthy, tackling both diet and exercise is better than trying to improve one lifestyle habit at a time, new research suggests.

The researchers did add that if you need to start with just one lifestyl...Full Article

FRIDAY, April 19 (HealthDay News) -- People with plots in community gardens are less likely to be overweight or obese than those who don't garden, a new study suggests.

"It has been shown previously that community gardens can provide a variety of social and nutr...Full Article

FRIDAY, April 19 (HealthDay News) -- Few situations can trip up someone who is watching their weight like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

But a new research letter published in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests two strate...Full Article

WEDNESDAY, April 17 (HealthDay News) -- A new British study provides further evidence that eating a so-called "Western" diet may not be good for you in the long run.

People who eat this kind of diet -- which includes fried and sweet foods, processed and red meat, refined grains and high-...Full Article

MONDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- A cocoa drink rich in flavanols -- the same antioxidants found in chocolate -- may help people with mild memory problems improve their brain function, according to Italian researchers.

Flavanols are found in tea, grapes, red wine, apples and especiall...Full Article

MONDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Roughly one-third of adults in 12 states are obese, with Mississippi topping the list at 34.9 percent, according to a new analysis of U.S. figures.

Twenty-six of the 30 states with the highest adult obesity rates are in the Midwest and the South, found ...Full Article

MONDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- States with strong laws about what foods can be sold at school outside breakfast and lunch programs appear to have more students who stay at healthier weights, new research suggests.

These laws, known as competitive food laws, regulate the foods that c...Full Article